Beautiful Outdoors

Get back to nature at Virginia State Parks, voted "America's Best." Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife watching. Do a little research to see if there are geocaching opportunities.

If you and your family love creature-seeking, you'll enjoy adventuring about Virginia's nature centers, zoos and Natural Area Preserves. Meet aquatic life at indoor aquariums, touch pools and in interactive living exhibits.

Children are thrilled to visit the eerie worlds created by dripstone stalactites and stalagmites in Virginia's Caverns. Did you know that some of the caverns were discovered by curious children and their dogs?

On the Horizon

This is a great time to enjoy one of Virginia's Beaches. The water might give a refreshing tingle, but you can play volleyball, build sand castles, fish from a pier or sunbathe. Many hotels offer heated pools so the kids can still get in their waterplay.

This is the most beautiful time of year for a hot-air balloon ride. Choose the northern Shenandoah Valley or Charlottesville. Cool mornings, gentle breezes and spectacular spring blossoms make it a memorable experience.

Somewhat Unexpected

If your family enjoys Weird & Wacky attractions, Virginia has a complete list of off-beat things to do. For example, visit Dinosaur Land, home to more than 50 fiberglass prehistoric creatures — lifesize! Or you might want to visit Virginia's Childhood Totems, such as Route 11 Potato Chip Factory or the Birthplace of Mr. Peanut.

Hot History

"History is fun," say the folks at Jamestown Settlement. Did you know that 2007 marked the 400th birthday of our nation's founding by the English who settled in Jamestown in 1607?

Another fun, historic place to visit is Colonial Williamsburg, where you and the kids can pretend you're living in colonial days. The entire town stays in character 24 hours a day.

Dive into Virginia's presidential history in a fun, kid-energized way to learn about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Woodrow Wilson.

Need Speed?

Joyful Noise

If your family enjoys country and bluegrass music, why not take a trip along The Crooked Road - Virginia's Heritage Music Trail that takes you from the Birthplace of Country Music in Bristol to the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, with plenty of family- friendly music venues along the way?